Taranaki's world-renowned surf breaks are set to receive official recognition in the region's new policy statement.

The New Plymouth Surfriders' Club says the region's waves should be protected as virtually irreplaceable natural features and a submission to the Taranaki Regional Council calls for policies protecting the breaks, their water quality and public access.

"Outside of Hawaii, Taranaki has more quality breaks per kilometre than anywhere else in the world," club secretary Allen Pidwell says. "With the shape of our coast, it makes it almost like an island with a number of world class breaks. It's really quite unique."

The Regional Policy Statement provides guidelines on environmental matters throughout Taranaki and is required for all regional councils under the Resource Management Act 1991.

Mr Pidwell says the breaks need protection from physical developments such as coastal dredging or aquaculture farms and from coastal subdivisions which can restrict access.

The TRC has proposed changes to the draft statement to reflect the club's submission, meaning any future coastal plans must consider the breaks as natural features needing protection.